International News
Trump’s back-and-forth on tariffs creates uncertainty, drives surge in gold prices
Gold price rebounds toward record highs of $3,246 after the previous pullback. Trump’s back-and-forth on tariffs creates uncertainty, underpinning Gold’s safe-haven appeal.Gold remains poised for a fresh leg higher on bullish technical setup on the daily chart.Gold price is bouncing back toward the record highs of $3,246 set on Monday as buyers fight back control despite a sense of calm across the financial markets early Tuesday.
This resurgence comes despite relative calm in broader financial markets, and it underscores the enduring appeal of gold as a safe-haven asset amid political and economic turbulence. Central to this dynamic is the evolving and often erratic trade policy rhetoric emanating from the United States, particularly from former President Donald Trump. As markets struggle to interpret shifting stances on tariffs and brace for consequential economic data, gold appears poised to continue its upward trajectory, supported by both technical and fundamental factors.
The reemergence of gold’s bullish momentum occurs against a backdrop of a moderating U.S. bond market. Last week’s surge in Treasury yields—a swift 50 basis point increase—has partially reversed, with the benchmark 10-year yield falling by approximately 10 basis points. This stabilization has provided a brief respite for investors, many of whom are digesting not only earnings reports from major U.S. corporations but also the ongoing ambiguity surrounding American trade policy.
Trump’s recent comments on adjusting the 25% tariffs on auto and auto parts imports from key partners such as Mexico and Canada have injected fresh uncertainty into the market. His administration’s exemptions for certain technology products, like smartphones and laptops, only added complexity, especially as these items remain subject to less severe 20% tariffs rather than the previously discussed 145% rate. Trump’s mention of impending tariff decisions on semiconductors further adds to the volatility.
Such unpredictability has clear implications for investor sentiment, which in turn sustains the allure of gold. As a non-yielding asset traditionally viewed as a hedge against economic instability, gold thrives during periods when policy inconsistency undermines market confidence. Moreover, the anticipation of further dovish shifts by the Federal Reserve amplifies this dynamic. Remarks from Fed Governor Christopher Waller this week highlighted the economic strain caused by tariff policies, suggesting that rate cuts might be necessary even in the face of persistent inflation. While some voices, like Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic, urge a wait-and-see approach, markets are pricing in substantial rate reductions—approximately 85 basis points by year’s end—with high confidence that rates will remain unchanged at the Fed’s next meeting in May.
Beyond the U.S., global factors are also reinforcing the upward pressure on gold prices. Chinese investors have significantly increased their holdings in physically backed gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in April, a trend confirmed by the World Gold Council. This inflow reflects both domestic economic concerns and a broader global appetite for risk hedging, particularly as China prepares to release its first-quarter GDP data. Monday’s announcement from China Customs, revealing a 12.4% year-over-year surge in exports for March, underscores the urgency with which Chinese exporters have responded to looming U.S. tariff hikes.
As gold continues its climb, technical indicators on the daily chart support the potential for further gains. Yet, this ascent remains contingent on several evolving narratives: Trump’s tariff proclamations, the Fed’s policy responses, and the tone of incoming macroeconomic data from China and beyond. In this complex and fluid environment, gold retains its timeless luster—not merely as a commodity, but as a barometer of global uncertainty.
International News
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Central Bank Reserves Rise Despite June Price Correction
The PBoC Increased its Gold Reserves by 480,000 fFine Troy Ounces During June, Taking Total Holdings to 75.44 Million Fine Troy Ounces
China continued to strengthen its strategic gold holdings in June, extending its bullion accumulation to a 20th consecutive month even as international gold prices recorded their sharpest monthly decline since 2008. The sustained purchases by the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) underscore the country’s long-term reserve diversification strategy amid ongoing global economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
The PBoC increased its gold reserves by 480,000 fine troy ounces—equivalent to nearly 15 metric tonnes—during June, taking total holdings to 75.44 million fine troy ounces. This represents the central bank’s largest monthly acquisition since October 2023, and highlights continued institutional confidence in gold as a strategic reserve asset despite short-term market volatility.
While physical holdings increased, the market value of China’s gold reserves declined significantly due to falling bullion prices. The value of reserves stood at US$303.72 billion at the end of June, down from US$340.75 billion in May, reflecting the impact of gold’s steep monthly price correction.
Gold prices are currently trading within a consolidation range as investors await fresh guidance from the U.S. Federal Reserve on the future trajectory of monetary policy. Market participants are closely monitoring the release of the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s June 16–17 policy meeting, which are expected to provide greater clarity on interest rate expectations under Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh.
According to Nicholas Frappell, Global Head of Institutional Markets at ABC Refinery, recent price action indicates that bullion is establishing a technical support base. He noted that investors are largely positioning themselves ahead of the Fed minutes, which could influence expectations for short-term interest rates and, consequently, the outlook for precious metals.
Investment bank JPMorgan has maintained a measured outlook for gold through the remainder of 2026, citing softer-than-expected demand across key consuming sectors. The bank believes that while gold retains its long-term appeal, near-term upside may remain limited without stronger investment or central bank demand.
JPMorgan projects average gold prices of approximately US$4,300 per ounce in the third quarter, rising modestly to around US$4,500 per ounce in the fourth quarter, suggesting a gradual recovery rather than a sustained rally.
Outlook
China’s continued accumulation of gold reserves reinforces the strategic importance central banks continue to place on the precious metal, even during periods of price weakness. With global markets awaiting critical signals from the U.S. Federal Reserve and analysts forecasting a measured recovery in bullion prices, central bank purchases are expected to remain a key pillar supporting the long-term gold market.
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